Council opposes Federal speed limit plan
Published on 29 October 2025
Corangamite Shire Council will make a formal submission to the Federal Government opposing the proposed reduction of default speed limits outside built-up areas.
The Federal Government’s Office of Road Safety is undertaking consultation on proposed changes to default speed limits on roads without sign-posted limits.
Over the past decade about 65% of road fatalities have been on outside major cities and the Government proposes lowering speed on sealed roads: to 90 km/h, 80 km/h or even 70 km/h and unsealed roads to 80 km/h or 70 km/h.
“This will be absolutely devastating for regional communities,” Mayor Kate Makin said.
“The Government is again treating country people like second class citizens to save a buck.
“The real problem isn’t speed. It’s the condition of the roads. Many State and Commonwealth‑owned roads in our region are narrow, crumbling or unsafe.”
“Increasing travel time will raise costs for farmers and businesses and potentially reduce tourism activity, sending businesses to the wall and hitting families.
“Longer travel times will potentially cause more accidents due to driver fatigue. This could be catastrophic if heavy vehicles like B-double B-double tankers or livestock or feed trucks trucks are involved.
“For a dairy processor running 10 trucks daily, an extra 30 minutes per trip could cost several hundred thousand dollars annually. Multiply that across regional freight operators and the impact runs into millions of dollars, hitting farmers, suppliers and consumers.
“Slower response times for volunteer emergency services could literally make the difference between life and death.
“Longer travel times will particularly impact vulnerable groups who already face barriers to accessing health services and education.”
“Rather than this heavy-handed insult to regional Australians, Council supports increased investment in rural road sealing, shoulders, safety barriers, intersections and resurfacing of deteriorating pavements so they are fit for purpose.”
Submissions can be made here and close at midnight on 10 November 2025.